Lastly, the group is working on secondary metabolism and on biotechnology of medicinal plants. Regarding the first, a cDNA coding for phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) has been cloned and characterized and studied from melon fruit. Other genes include dehydroflavone reductase from grape and a number ESTs from citrus flavedo tissues.

The lab is working on medicinal plant Cistus creticus spp. creticus which produces a number of diterpenes exhibiting anticancer action. Current activities include:a) Cloning and gene expression studies of enzymes participating in the biosynthesis of diterpenes in Cistus spp. 2) EST analysis of glandular trichomes, 3) isolation of transcription factors controlling glandular trichome initiation and morphogenesis (abstract 56) and 4) isolation and characterization of Cistus creticus glandular trichome specific genes (abstract 57).The group has developed and published a method of isolation of total RNA and DNA from Cistus creticus (Anal. Biochem. (2004) 328:90-92) and isolated and functionally characterized two full-length cDNA clones for geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase (GGPPS) and a full-length cDNA encoding 1-deoxy-D-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR), 4 cDNA clones coding for sesquiterpene synthases (from which one has been fully functional characterized), a full length cDNA for copalyl diphosphate synthase (which has been functional characterized) and a partial cDNA for kaurene synthase (KS) from Cistus creticus spp. creticus.In addition, antibodies have been raised against GGPPS and KS. 2022 ESTs have been sequenced from a cDNA trichome specific libarary and DNA microarrays have been successfully applied to isolate trichome specific genes.

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Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs

Ancient Egyptian pharaohs used a stylised artificial labdanum-soaked goats-hair beard as one of the regalia of rulership: a clear case of associating a male attribute with leadership.

Kyphi

Labdanum has fascinated people for many centuries. Ancient Egyptians used it in their Kyphi incense mixtures and the Hebrews burned it in their temples. It's said to reach deep into our subconscious and bring back memories, feelings, and moods.

Labdanum SHOP

GENESIS 37 25

And they sat down to eat bread: and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and, behold, a company of Ishmeelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spicery and balm and myrrh, going to carry [it] down to Egypt.

GENESIS 43 11

And their father Israel said unto them, If [it must be] so now, do this; take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm, and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds: